Leadership Columbia Class of 2026 celebrates completion of Cola Town Bike Collective project with ceremony during National Bike Month

April 30, 2026

More than 1,000 service hours invested to expand access, improve facilities, and elevate community impact

The Leadership Columbia Class of 2026, a program of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 14th to celebrate the completion of its class project in partnership with the Cola Town Bike Collective.

The project represents a significant investment in the Columbia community, with class members contributing more than 1,000 hours of service to support the organization’s mission of increasing access to bicycles, promoting safe riding, and strengthening community connections.<

The initiative included a series of improvements and activations designed to expand the reach and impact of Cola Town Bike Collective. The efforts ranged from on-site facility enhancements and repairs to community programming and advocacy initiatives aimed at raising awareness and increasing engagement across the Midlands.

“This project reflects the core purpose of Leadership Columbia, bringing together leaders from across our community to create meaningful, lasting impact,” said Zach Lundberg and Stephen Lynch, co-chairs of the Leadership Columbia Class of 2026. “We are proud to partner with Cola Town Bike Collective and support an organization that is making a real difference in our community.”

The ribbon cutting event will feature remarks from local leaders, including Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and Richland County Councilman Paul Livingston, as well as representatives from the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Cola Town Bike Collective.

The celebration comes during National Bike Month and follows a series of related activations throughout early May. The Leadership Columbia Class of 2026 will partner with Cola Town Bike Collective at Soda City Market on May 2nd to engage directly with the community, and the Richland County Council will present an official proclamation on May 5th recognizing the organization’s impact and contributions.

Together, these efforts underscore the importance of accessible transportation and community-driven solutions that improve quality of life across the region. Community members are encouraged to learn more about Cola Town Bike Collective and its work by visiting www.colatownbikes.com and following CTBC on social media.

About Leadership Columbia
Leadership Columbia is a 10-month civic leadership program of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce designed to educate and connect emerging and established leaders across the Midlands. For more than 50 years, the program has helped participants better understand the region while building relationships that strengthen the community.

About the Columbia Chamber of Commerce

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit, partner-driven organization representing more than 1,200 businesses, organizations, and institutions across the Midlands. Founded in 1902, the Chamber serves as the voice of the business community through advocacy, leadership development, and engagement.<

About Cola Town Bike Collective
Cola Town Bike Collective is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding bike access, promoting safety, and fostering a more connected and bike-friendly Columbia through infrastructure, education, and community partnerships.